Chicago Fire has shared departing star Eamonn Walker’s final moments on set.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the actor would be leaving the show as Battalion Chief Wallace Boden, with his final scenes airing during this week’s season 12 finale.
A clip has now been shared by the One Chicago Instagram account, in which Walker’s castmates and show crew gather around and applaud him once his final scenes are filmed.
He then tells his colleagues: “I just want to say: Best cast. Best crew. Best production. Best job of my life. Thank you.”
Boden’s final episode sees him go for the job of Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department, which he ends up getting.
However, it appears the actor will still appear in the show in a recurring capacity going forward.
Following the exit, producer Dick Wolf paid tribute to Walker, telling Deadline: “Eamonn was the first actor cast on Chicago Fire, and we knew once he said yes, that we were off and running.
“His character Chief Wallace Boden was the undisputed leader of Firehouse 51 and, off-screen, Eamonn has filled the same role with our ensemble cast.”
Showrunner Andrea Newman also opened up about filming the finale with Walker, explaining that “every minute with him is a gift”.
“Eamonn is the most big-hearted, passionate, hard-working and dedicated actor (and human) I know, and he is like a father to every cast member and crew member of this team,” she said. “He is loved like no other.
“Any change in his position on Fire is going to be like an earthquake coming through. The vibe on set for the finale was just, hold onto Eamonn as tight as you can. Every minute with him is a gift.”
